Make a coffee-bar latte at home, with or without a machine

To make a latte at home you need three things: strong coffee (espresso or a concentrated brew), hot frothed milk and, if you like, a flavoured syrup. No espresso machine? Use a moka pot, an Aeropress or double-strength filter coffee, and froth the milk with a frother, a French press or a sealed jar.

With a few tricks and a dash of syrup, you can make a coffee-bar latte in your own kitchen.

What do you need for a latte at home?

• Coffee: 1 or 2 espressos, or about 100 ml very strong coffee.
• Milk: 200 to 250 ml, dairy or plant-based.
• Syrup (optional): 20 to 30 ml, for example Vanilla, Caramel or Hazelnut.
• A large mug or glass of 300 to 350 ml.

How do you make a latte with an espresso machine?

1. Pour the syrup into your mug.
2. Brew a single or double espresso straight onto the syrup and stir.
3. Steam and froth the milk with the steam wand or a frother until hot (not boiling) with a fine, glossy foam.
4. Pour the milk in slowly and finish with a layer of foam.

How do you make a latte without an espresso machine?

You can get a long way without a machine. The key is that your coffee is strong enough; otherwise the flavour disappears under the milk.

• Moka pot: makes a strong, intense coffee close to espresso.
• Aeropress: use little water for a concentrated shot.
• Filter coffee or French press: brew your coffee twice as strong as usual.
• Instant coffee: dissolve two teaspoons in a splash of hot water.

How do you froth milk without a machine?

• Handheld frother: heat the milk and whisk for about half a minute until foamy.
• French press: pour warm milk into the jug and pump the plunger up and down quickly.
• Jar with lid: pour warm milk into a jar (no more than half full), close it tightly and shake hard. Careful: use a tea towel, as the jar can get hot.

Whole milk gives the most stable foam. For plant-based milk, barista versions usually work best.

How do you give your latte a coffee-bar flavour?

The difference from a plain milky coffee is often the syrup. A few ideas:

• Vanilla latte: 25 ml Vanilla or French Vanilla.
• Speculoos latte: with Cookie Butter; see the speculoos latte recipe.
• Lavender latte: a floral twist; see the lavender latte.
• Pistachio chocolate: learn how to make a Dubai chocolate latte.

Want to try several flavours? Have a look at the Sugar-Free Barista Pack or the coffee syrups collection.

Can you make the same latte cold?

Yes. Mix syrup and coffee, fill the glass with ice and pour cold milk on top. No need to froth the milk. Combinations in Syrup for iced coffee.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

A latte has more milk and a thinner layer of foam. A cappuccino is smaller, with proportionally more foam.

How hot should the milk be?

Hot, but not boiling. Around 60 to 65 °C the milk keeps a sweet taste and the foam stays nice.

How much syrup goes in a latte?

About 20 to 30 ml. More in How much syrup should you put in your coffee?

Can I make a latte with instant coffee?

Yes, use little water so the coffee stays strong, then add syrup and hot milk.